Sandra Cisneros reaches out to “ los teens” during a Friday afternoon reading to open Our Lady of the Lake University's Lit Fest 2011. Cisneros, who is writer-in-residence at the West Side school, entertains, educates and mesmerizes during her annual festival appearances, which can justifiably be called performance art. She might read an essay, or perhaps a new story, or possibly an old one. “Whatever I choose it will be with that passionate audience in mind,” she said last week. “ Los teens. I always want them to have fun. Be changed. Blessed.” The literary festival, whose immigration theme this year is “Between Worlds,” continues through April 10, with most events free and open to the public.

Cisneros reads at 1 p.m. Friday in Thiry Auditorium on the OLLU campus, 411 SW 24th St. Free and open to the public. For a complete festival schedule, visit www.ollusa.edu/litfest.